The introduction of a new complaints procedure and policy at the troubled Clyde Holiday Park is being instigated by the Central Otago District Council after “communications” issues.

The Central App has viewed numerous written statements from visitors to the camp complaining of being verbally abused, refused bookings and evicted for reasons they claim were unreasonable.

All claim they were spoken to rudely – including being told to f**k off - and young people had been followed outside the campground at night by the camp manager.

Some claimed the issues had been occurring for two years and most said they had found their experiences very upsetting and would not be returning to Clyde. Many had enjoyed family holidays at the camp for decades and some were third generation campers.

Issues had also arisen, the documents show, where local sports clubs who share some facilities at the Whitby Street site, claim to have been inconvenienced and treated with hostility by camp management.

The camp, owned by the council, was leased to Gary and Roslyn Ryan in 2019 for a 10 year term, Vincent Community Board chairperson Martin McPherson confirmed yesterday.

He said council were working with the lease holders and hoped the situation could be resolved amicably.

“We do acknowledge that there may be some communications issues. That’s why staff are in the process of working on a complaints procedure so those things can be handled in a professional manner. It is in our best interest to make sure the camp is run profitably and well.” He said it was the first time council had been made aware of issues involving patrons and

management.

“There’s always two sides to a story. We’ve spoken to the complainants and the leasee. Council staff are working with the leasees, and as the lessor we have responsibility to both parties and to our residents, so… hoping that the situation can be resolved in an amicable fashion.”

While many online reviews of the camp reflect positively about experiences, media reports document similar issues occurring at accommodation facilities previously managed by the Ryans.

A spat reportedly erupted at a Winchester Campground involving an event owner referring in a public speech to Australian-born Mr Ryan as “Colonel Kookaburra” and claiming he had blocked access to event patrons.

Other complaints were aired in a media story about Mr Ryan’s management of the North Rakaia Huts also in Canterbury. Mr Ryan refuted the claims at the time calling the complainants “a load of freakin’ old has-beens”.

When contacted by the Central App yesterday Mr Ryan said he did not wish to comment. He said he didn’t think that there had been issues with patrons and claimed matters had been “blown out of proportion”.

“The council has got my report on it and that’s where it stands.” When asked if he intended to stay managing the camp for the extent of the lease which expires in 2029, Mr Ryan said “I’ll be here for as long as that.”